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PCUA monitoring state sales tax expansion proposal

HARRISBURG, Pa. (5/13/10)--The Pennsylvania Credit Union Association (PCUA) is monitoring Gov. Edward Rendell’s budget proposal to expand the state’s sales and use tax to include 74 categories of tax exemptions. So far, credit unions’ exemption is intact. Pennsylvania State Sens. Mike Stack and Larry Farnese, both democrats from Philadelphia, held a roundtable discussion about the proposal Tuesday in Philadelphia. Sens. Stack and Farnese opposed expanding the sales tax, said PCUA (Life is a Highway May 12). Several representatives from the business community voiced concerns about applying the sales tax on currently tax-exempt professional services. Such a tax, they said, would result in: double-taxing the consumer; driving low- and moderate-income individuals out of the legitimate banking system; effecting negative consequences on small businesses and start-up companies; and becoming detrimental to job preservation and creation. There was no mention of credit unions or a suggestion to look to them for a revenue source, PCUA said. Christine Seitz, PCUA director of political affairs and fundraising, attended the roundtable.